Military service Belgian Army (Military Hospital Neder-Over-Heembeek) 1990-1991 - lieutenant

During the neurosurgical training attended the training courses of the European Association of Neurological Surgeons (EANS) in Porto (1986) Wroclaw (1987) Amsterdam (1988) and Rostock (1989). Could not assist the 1990 course in Israel that was cancelled due to the Gulf War 1990.

Martens F, Verbeke L: Radiosurgical treatment of acoustic neurinomas on a linear accelerator. Presented at the 1st congress of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society, Stockholm June 16-19, 1993

Other professional activities

During neurosurgical training in the University Hospital Ghent (Prof Calliauw) developed with radiotherapist Dr Luc Verbeke the first stereotactic radiosurgery application in the Benelux using a LINAC, the first medical application in December 1989. This was further developed in the OLV ziekenhuis Aalst with over 1000 treated patients.

Introduction and clinical application (7/2/1996) of the first neuronavigation equipment (ISG Viewing Wand) on the continent, later Brainlab for operative treatment of brain tumours.

Introduction and clinical application of the MicroEndoscopic Discectomy (MED later Metr’x) in Europe (October 1997)

Appointed Consultant for Sofamor Danek later Medtronic Inc. Spine division for the development of Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery since 1998.

Actively involved in the clinical trial and application of the Dascor lumbar disc nucleus prosthesis since 2006 and development of the posterolateral approach.

Personal interests

As much as possible, priority is given to spend time with my two sons and in any case during every holiday period.

I am a regular golf competitor with a fair Hcp of 10.0.

Beside these two important items, I have a lifetime passion for contemporary art which I inherited from my father and I am actively collecting on a regular base. This passion permits a different view on life than it is through medical spectacles.